Is Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Yes, Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park have?

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park offers: Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park?

Popular activities at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

4.66

137 reviews

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

ElectricShowers

Opens Tennessee State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

453 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

ElectricShowers

Opens Tennessee State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

March 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.66

Top-Rated

Based on 137 reviews

729 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomshiking

"Overall visitor sentiment is positive: guests praise scenic lakefront views, well-kept campsites, friendly/helpful staff, and clean heated restrooms. The park is relatively small and can be busy on weekends."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

36.0833, -87.9855

Nearby places

Camden, TN — ~15 minutes to grocery

Dollar General — ~8 minutes

Nearby supplies

Camden, TN (Cash Saver grocery, ~15 minutes)

Dollar General (~8 minutes)

Best Time to Camp at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

While the park welcomes visitors year-round, local campers whisper that mid-week visits offer the best of both worlds: all the beauty with half the crowd. Plan your visit any time the weather calls to you—just consider arriving Tuesday through Thursday if you're craving extra solitude on the trails and shoreline.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely excellent for river activities, wildlife and wildflowers in a state-park setting.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer likely good for boating, fishing and water-based activities on the river.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Rolling hills and forests imply strong fall color and scenic appeal.

Planning Tips

About Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

Nestled along the scenic shores of Kentucky Lake where the Tennessee River widens, Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park packs impressive lakefront adventures into its intimate 97-acre setting. This well-maintained gem on the western shore invites you to cast a line, paddle calm waters, and explore wooded trails that lead to stunning water vistas—all while enjoying the kind of peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere that makes you feel like you've discovered a local secret.

Mix of primitive lakeside campsites and sites with electric and water hookups; tent camping and cabins are available; a group lodge is also present.

Historical Significance

Named for Nathan Bedford Forrest, the park includes an Interpretive Center and a small museum focusing on local river life and folklife exhibits.

Weather and SeasonsWhile the park welcomes visitors year-round, local campers whisper that mid-week visits offer the best of both worlds: all the beauty with half the crowd. Plan your visit any time the weather calls to you—just consider arriving Tuesday through Thursday if you're craving extra solitude on the trails and shoreline.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself waking up to sunlight dancing across the expansive waters of Kentucky Lake, where the Tennessee River creates one of the region's most beloved waterways. The park's compact size works in your favor here—you're never far from the shoreline, whether you're hiking through hardwood forests, following the gentle creek that winds through the property, or simply soaking in those postcard-worthy lake views. The wooded, rural landscape provides a serene backdrop for waterfront relaxation, with enough natural beauty concentrated into this cozy footprint that you can experience it all without traveling far from your campsite.

Geological RegionKentucky Lake / Tennessee River shoreline (western Tennessee)

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Fire rings

Water hookups

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Trails and lakeside recreation including hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking/boating, and campfire activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Weather at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

137 reviews

Top-Rated

Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall visitor sentiment is positive: guests praise scenic lakefront views, well-kept campsites, friendly/helpful staff, and clean heated restrooms. The park is relatively small and can be busy on weekends.

Review Summaries

Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic Kentucky Lake/lakefront sites, well-maintained campsites (gravel pads, fire rings/grills noted), helpful and friendly park staff, heated showers and clean restrooms, nearby hiking trails and...

Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Nearest full grocery in Camden (~15 minutes) and a Dollar General (~8 minutes). Visitors recommend bringing small supplies (hair dryer, softer toilet paper, citronella, dish soap) and visiting...

Based on 137 reviews

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Last updated March 29, 2026

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